Jayron Kearse Declares for 2016 NFL Draft: Latest Comments and Reaction

Clemson Tigers safety Jayron Kearse won't return for his senior year, opting instead to enter the 2016 NFL draft.

Kearse took to Instagram to announce his decision Wednesday. He wound up with 62 total tackles (6.5 for loss), six passes defensed and one interception in his final college season, per CFBStats.com.

Part of Kearse's statement suggested the NFL will put him on a fast track to realizing his maximum potential:

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I'm thankful for everything I've been given the opportunity to achieve here, but after sitting down and talking to support staff and my family I think it's in my best interest to take the next step in my career and declare for the 2016 NFL Draft. I think the NFL is what I need to take my game to the next level and that's why I ultimately made the decision I've made. It's been great and I'll always be a Tiger and forever be grateful for this wonderful gift of me being able to be apart of Clemson University.

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Now that football is going to be his full-time job, Kearse can indeed focus on it exclusively—and it should be fascinating to watch him develop.

It's not every day one sees a safety who stands at a towering 6'5" and isn't afraid to lay the lumber. He's often a sure tackler, but observers who witnessed the College Football Playoff may discount Kearse's competence in this area.

Kearse missed three tackles in the Orange Bowl after missing only five all season, per Pro Football Focus' Steve Palazzolo, and he was part of a porous defense that lost 45-40 to Alabama in the national title game.

NBC Sports' Josh Norris was among those who were unimpressed with Kearse's play versus the Crimson Tide:

Those final two contests of his Clemson career notwithstanding, there's reason to like Kearse enough to merit his high projected draft stock, which he shared with NFL.com's Chase Goodbread:

Kearse's coverage skills leave something to be desired, which isn't the worst thing since he projects as a strong safety. Plus, if he can hone his technique in that area, he has the rare size to actually hold his own against bigger tight ends who are pass-catching threats.

A lot of his projection at the NFL level is based on upside. There is reason to be concerned by Kearse being out of position too often and his lackluster performances in the biggest games of his life to date.

What should help his cause to be a successful pro is his pedigree. His uncle is Jevon Kearse, and he's also cousins with Phlilip Buchanon, both of whom played in the NFL and can advise him as he makes the transition.

If he tests well at the NFL Scouting Combine and Clemson's pro day and is a good interview, Kearse can all but ensure a Day 2 draft position. Otherwise, he may slip into the latter rounds and face more of an uphill battle amid his introduction to the pros.